Arnab's Plea LIVE Updates: Arnab out of Taloja jail, says 'this is a victory for India'

Supreme Court orders release of Republic Media Network's Editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami. Justice Chandrachud said while pronouncing the order, "We hold HC was incorrect in not granting bail. Arnab Goswami and two other accused be released on interim bail on a bond of Rs 50,000. Commissioner of Police is directed to ensure order is followed immediately. Bail granted to Arnab Goswami. Appellants are directed to cooperate in the investigation..let personal bond be executed before jail superintendent."

Arguments are over for now. The judges are now discussing. The bench is recording the appearances of lawyers for different parties.

Justice Chandrachud : The CJM basically says the individual role of accused is not made out and no prima facie case under Section 306 IPC is made out to justify the arrest of the accused.

Reinvestigation has to be ordered by Constitutional court; Reinvestigation by a minister is illegal; Minister had no jurisdiction to sit over a court order: Mukul Rohatgi arguing for co-accused Sarda in SC

Sr Advocate Mukul Rohatgi argues: The three accused have no connections between them. There is no question of my client inciting, abetting or egging on Anvay Naik to suicide.

Harish Salve now making submissions on the point that Magistrate has to make an order for further investigation.

"It will set a dangerous precedent if the executive initiates further investigation after the Magistrate has accepted the 'A Summary'", Harish Salve said. 

"The further investigation in Anvay Naik case was directed by the further investigation. This is illegal. Interference by the State is clearly made out", he added. 

"Last month a man in Maharashtra committed suicide saying the Chief Minister failed to pay salary? What you do? Arrest the Chief Minister?", argued senior advocate Harish Salve. 

"There was no presonal relationship between Arnab Goswami and Anvay Naik. Mere contractual dispute cannot be abetment to suicide", Salve added. 

"The High Court made a "gross mistake". The question whether enquiry could have started is up for consideration. If there are serious questions to be tried, why no interim relief? If the High Court felt there were serious questions for consideration, why no interim release was granted to him?", senior advocate Harish Salve argued. 

"The way he was arrested. 20-30 armed policemen reach his house..arrest him without prior notice and straightaway take to Raigad from Mumbai", noted senior advocate Harish Salve. 

"Is he a terrorist? Is there a murder charge on him?", Salve asked.  

"The Magistrate did not reject the 'A Summary' report. Does the executive retain the power to further investigate after that? I submit, they do not. Allowing that will be destruction of criminal procedure.

"The CJM said that no connection was found between the suicide and the accused", Salve argued.

"Here it is being argued that citizens liberty is not important and procedural hierarchy has to be given importance," says Sr Advocate Harish Salve

Assuming the FIR is the gospel truth and that's a matter of investigation but is not paying up money Abetment to suicide? It will be a Travesty of justice if bail is not granted while FIR is pending Sibal, says Justice Chandrachud
 

"We are dealing with personal liberty here and because he was owed money, Naik committed suicide due to financial stress. Is this a case of Custodial questioning", observes Justice Chandrachud

"Travelling to the path of destruction if court does not interfere today. Whatever be his ideology, lest I dont even watch his channel but if in THIS case, constitutional courts do not interfere today - we are traveling the path of destruction undeniably," says Justice Chandrachud

"We must send a message today to the High Courts as well. Please exercise your jurisdiction to uphold personal liberty! Case after case, High courts are denying personal liberty. If we as a constitutional court do not lay down law and protect liberty then who will?" SC to High Courts 

"Yes we are with you, they deserve a fair investigation but if a state targets an individual like that..Victim is entitled to recourse as in proper and fair probe. But answer is simple. If you don't like a channel then don't watch it," Justice Chandrachud says.

"Technicality cannot be a ground to deny someone personal liberty. This is not a case of terrorism": SC 

The Bombay HC has written a 50+ page order but has not dealt with the ingredients of the offence, says Justice Chandrachud

To make out a case of abetment, there has to active incitement and encouragement. If money is owed to a person, is that a case of Abetment to suicide? asks Justice Chandrachud from Sibal who is appearing for Maharashtra government

Justice Chandrachud says there are 3 aspects in the matter:

1)The complainant was not heard when A summary was accepted.

2) HC says acceptance of A summary does not prevent 173(8) CRPC

3) Quashing of FIR under 439

Harish Salve talks about the chain of events, and Hansa's claim that they are being forced to make statements against Republic. Harish Salve also tells the Court that Hansa told Republic TV that if there were complaints then Republic would have been informed.

An FIR filed on complaint of Hansa on October 6 and Mumbai CP made allegations against Republic, says Salve, informing the court about the alleged TRP Scam. Hansa Research filed a complaint through their employee Bhandari, Salve tells the Court. Then, a press conference was called by Mumbai Police and he spoke against Republic TV, says Salve. According to this complaint, meters were placed to track TRP’s and people were being paid to watch channel, says Harish Salve to the top court.

Senior Advocate Harish Salve taking the bench through all cases filed against Arnab Goswami and RepublicTV reporters . He informs the court that no offence made out in any. Salve also informs the bench about the breach of privilege motion moved against Goswami by Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on September 8. Salve tells Justice Chandrachud that the matter is pending and the CJI had pulled up the Secretary of Maharashtra Assembly.

No case of abetment to suicide made out against Arnab: Senior Advocate Harish Salve in Supreme Court arguing for Arnab Goswami

Salve says, that the case is well past the FIR stage. The FIR was lodged in 2018. The Power to re-investigation has been wrongly used, Salve adds. Salve reads the Closure report. He reiterates that he has already argued that there was no case of Abetment to suicide made out against Arnab Goswami.

Harish Salve appears for Arnab Goswami. Kapil Sibal for Shiv Sena-led Maharashtra Government
 

Appearing for Arnab Goswami, Salve points out that the totality of these issues should be seen. The overlay of the malice and fact and the abuse and conduct of state power is not something that happens on a day in and day our basis, says Salve.

SupremeCourt’s bench of Justices Chandrachud & Indira Banerjee assembles. Arnab Goswami & co-accused Neetish Sarda & Parveen Rajesh Singh have filed petitions against the Bombay High Court's denial of interim bail.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal called up Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. Chief Minister Sonowal asked his Maharashtra counterpart to ensure safety and security to Republic Media Network's Editor in Chief Arnab Goswami, in the view that he has been lodged in a jail full of dreaded criminals and denied access to his lawyers.

A division bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud & Indira Banerjee will hear at 10.30 AM the petitions filed by Arnab Goswami & co-accused Neetish Sarda & Parveen Rajesh Singh against the Bombay High Court's denial of interim bail.

Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami has moved the Supreme Court challenging the Bombay High Court order rejecting his interim bail plea. A day earlier, a division bench of the Bombay HC comprising Justice SS Shinde and MS Karnik on Monday directed the Sessions Court to decide on Arnab Goswami's bail plea within 4 days of his filing the petition. As the bail plea was moved on Monday, the Alibag Sessions Court shall have to rule on the petition by Friday. 

While rejecting the interim bail application of Arnab, the bench clarified that its observations are prima facie in nature and will not apply to the application made by the Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief seeking regular bail. It held that the rejection of the interim bail plea will not be construed as an impediment to Arnab seeking alternative remedies. 

Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Dushyant Dave sought to scuttle the SC's hearing on Arnab Goswami's plea challenging the rejection of his interim bail petition. In a letter addressed to SC Secretary General, Dave lodged a strong protest with the urgent listing of Arnab's Special Leave Petition. While claiming that he did not want to interfere with Arnab's right to move the Supreme Court, he accused the top court of selectively listing matters for the last 8 months. He has since been countered by an ever-growing list of senior lawyers. 

According to him, the impression conveyed in the process is that "clients represented by certain lawyers are getting special treatment". Thereafter, the SCBA president called for Arnab's petition not to be heard on Wednesday until all the matters filed by various Advocates on Record with urgent listing requests prior to November 10 are listed. He requested the SC Secretary General to place his letter before the two-judge bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and Indira Banerjee which is hearing Arnab's petition. 

Republic Distribution AVP Ghanshyam detained by Crime Branch as persecution of Republic continues; Ghanshyam has been cooperating in the Mumbai Police's Fake TRP case investigation

A division bench of the Bombay High Court comprising Justice SS Shinde and MS Karnik on Monday directed the Sessions Court to decide on Arnab Goswami's bail plea within 4 days of his filing the petition. As the bail plea was moved earlier in the day, the Alibag Sessions Court shall have to rule on the petition within the next 4 days' time. While rejecting the interim bail application of Arnab, the bench clarified that its observations are prima facie in nature and will not apply to the application made by the Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief seeking regular bail. It held that the rejection of the interim bail plea will not be construed as an impediment to Arnab seeking alternative remedies.

Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court Gaurav Bhatia on Monday wrote a letter to Chief Justice of India SA Bobde urging him to take suo moto cognizance of "the blatant violation of basic human rights by Maharashtra Government and the Mumbai Police" during the illegal arrest of Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami. 

Governor speaks to Maharashtra’s Home Minister 

Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari spoke to Maharashtra’s Home Minister Anil Deshmukh and conveyed to him his concern over the security and health of news anchor and editor-in-chief of Republic Media Network Arnab Goswami. 

The Governor also asked the Home Minister to allow the family of Arnab Goswami to see him and to speak to him. 

The Governor had earlier conveyed his concern over the manner of arrest of Arnab Goswami to the State Home Minister.

Ever since Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami was physically assaulted and illegally arrested from his Mumbai residence last Wednesday, massive support for him has been pouring in across India and the globe. Meanwhile, the petition for showing solidarity with Arnab and standing against the injustice is nearing 6 lakh signatories. 

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Ram Kadam continued to take to the streets in support of Republic Media Network Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami after his arrest and harassment. After being detained following a protest over the journalist’s arrest, the Maharashtra Member of Legislative Assembly now has decided to go to Taloja jail, where Arnab Goswami is lodged. The politician equated the conduct of the Maharastra Vikas Aghadi as ‘Ravan Raaj’ and that they should be ‘ashamed’ for targeting Arnab Goswami.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

BJP MLA Ram Kadam has announced that he will go to Taloja jail on Monday at 11 am to meet Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami who was suddenly shifted there on Sunday after four nights in judicial custody. Taking to Twitter, Ram Kadam said that if anyone has "the courage, they should try and stop him." He said that he will go there as a representative of 130 crore Indians. Ram Kadam has been taking daily initiatives since the shocking arrest of Arnab Goswami on Wednesday.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Global support for Republic Media Network's Editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami has been growing stronger with every passing day, and with every passing injustice and brutality meted out to him in his custody. In an unprecedented move, voices of NRIs from 12 countries across the world resounded against the atrocities post the shocking events of Sunday morning, wherein Arnab was shifted to the Taloja jail, in an enclosed arrest van, making a terrifying and heartwrenching appeal.

Watch here: Global digital protest

"My life is under threat. I am not allowed to speak to my lawyers. I was pushed and assaulted this morning. They woke me up at 6. They said I will not let you speak to the lawyers. I want to tell the people of the country that my life is under threat," Arnab Goswami said through the van while being taken to Taloja jail.

The Bombay High Court will pronounce its order on Arnab Goswami’s plea challenging his illegal arrest and detention in connection with the 2018 suicide case on Monday, November 9, 2020. It had reserved its order after hearing all concerned parties earlier on Saturday.

Senior Advocate Harish Salve made strong arguments once again on Saturday representing Arnab Goswami, as the Bombay High Court reserved its order in Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief's plea against his arrest. The two-judge bench comprising of Justices S S Shinde and M S Karnik ordered that bail can be sought by Arnab under Section 439 from the sessions court. The court also ordered that the sessions court must decide within four days if approached for bail. The Bombay High Court would deliver its order as soon as possible, Justice Shinde stated.

The bench of Justices S S Shinde and M S Karnik re-assembled to resume hearing in the case. State begins arguments, defending arrest.

Sessions court in Alibaug posts for hearing on November 9 the police's revision plea challenging magistrate's order remanding Republic TV Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami to judicial custody in connection with 2018 abetment of suicide case
 

Hansa research employees to only be called twice a week; Bombay HC issues direction to Mumbai Police

Advocate Vijay Agarwal argues - Police need the permission of the Magistrate for further investigation

Appearing for co-accused Shaikh, Advocate Vijay Agarwal argues - Three different people in three different areas. But Section 34 IPC invoked. Where is common intention? Section 306 IPC not made out.

The bench now takes up the petition of MS Shaikh, a co-accused in the abetment to suicide case in which Arnab Goswami has been arrested. Advocate Vijay Agarwal submits he won't repeat any submissions made by Salve or Ponda. The FIR is under Section 306 and 34(common intention) IPC. The accused has been tagged along with Arnab Goswami, a stranger to him, he says

Senior Advocate CS Vaidyanathan submits that Mumbai police officers are calling Hansa officers everyday forcing to give statements implicating Republic TV. In case they want any document, let them issue summons under Section 91 CrPC. They cant put us under pressure by calling us everyday, Advocate Vaidyanathan added.

Senior Advocate Devadatt Kamat appearing for the Mumbai Police Commissioner submits that the Hansa is playing "hide and seek" with the Court. There are materials against the accused and the allegations of CS Vaidyanathan are not fair, Kamat argues.

Justice Shinde slams Mumbai Police CP for unnecessarily harassing Hansa. Justice Shinde instructs Mumbai CP to make arrangements for calling them only on specific dates.

The Bombay High Court resumes hearing Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami's bail plea. The HC will hear the side of the state and the Hansa group before passing orders. 

Republic Media Netwrok's consulting editor Pradeep Bhandari answered the summons of the Mumbai Police on Saturday and appeared at the Khar Police Station for questioning. 

The Bombay High Court will resume hearing Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami's bail plea at 12 pm on Saturday. The HC will hear the side of the state and the Hansa group before passing orders. 

Reiterating his strong opposition to the illegal arrest of Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on Friday, stated that no party should attack press freedom. The senior BJP leader remarked that it has been Congress' culture since the Emergency to suppress press freedom. Arnab was illegally arrested and assaulted by the Maharashtra Police on November 4, in a case that had been closed in 2019. 

Addressing a press conference in Kolkata, when asked about the illegal arrest of Arnab, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, "I have expressed my stance on Twitter. No party or government should suppress press freedom. However, this has been Congress' culture since the Emergency. We are against this. My party has also condemned this strongly."

Condemning the 'illegal' arrest of Republic Media Network Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) on Thursday, demanded the immediate release of Arnab. CPJ's senior Asia researcher said "Holding Arnab Goswami in prison while police conduct their investigation only heightens suspicions that the actions against him are in retaliation for critical coverage. Goswami should be released immediately and authorities across India should stop harassing journalists." Arnab has been in judicial custody for the past three days, while the Bombay High Court will hear his bail plea on Saturday, 12 PM.

CPJ observed that Republic TV has published several critical and investigative stories about police and politicians in recent months, specifically against the Maharashtra government. In the last few months, CPJ has documented three other police investigations into journalists at Republic TV. CPJ is an independent, nonprofit organization that promotes press freedom worldwide, defending right of journalists to report the news safely and without fear of reprisal. 

Condemning the arrest of Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has remarked that his arrest is against the interest of a democratic institution. The Haryana CM added that Arnab's arrest was an attack on press freedom and should not have been done. Arnab was illegally arrested and assaulted by the Maharashtra Police on November 4 and is currently under judicial custody. 

Addressing a press conference on Friday, Haryana CM Khattar said, "In a democracy, everyone has the freedom of expression. There is a limit and if no one is crossing that, then it is fine. Even Opposition leaders speak against each other. He (Arnab) has not breached any limit. Through his channel, he just puts his view forth. His arrest is not in the interest of a democratic institution. He should not have been arrested. If anyone had any issues, they should have filed a complaint. The way police had arrested him, it should not have been done."

Justice Shinde adjourns the bail hearing to 12 PM on Saturday

BJP MLA Ram Kadam was detained and taken away by the Mumbai Police from Mantralaya on Friday while he was on a peaceful hunger strike in a protest against the assault and arrest of Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami. 

Observing a hunger strike sitting outside Mantralaya on Friday, Ram Kadam demanded the immediate release of Arnab Goswami and announced that his hunger strike will continue at the police station too. 

Earlier on Thursday, Ram Kadam met Maharashtra Governor Koshiyari seeking the suspension of nine cops who were involved in the assault and arrest of Arnab Goswami on Wednesday. 

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

The Bombay High Court on Thursday posted the petition of Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami against his arrest by the Maharashtra police for hearing on Friday at 3 pm. 

On Wednesday, Republic Media Network accessed the copy of Alibag Chief Judicial Magistrate's remand order that was passed after a hearing that lasted five hours in connection with a 2018 'reopened' case in which Arnab Goswami was physically assaulted and arrested by the Maharashtra Police. The court in Alibaug in Maharashtra's Raigad district remanded Arnab Goswami in judicial custody for 14 days and rejected the police custody demanded by the cops, with the Alibaug Chief Judicial Magistrate Sunaina Pingle making key observations.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

The anger over Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami's arrest spilt over on to the streets in India in multi-city protests and now has even spread worldwide with the people of the United States of America coming out in his support.

The Indian diaspora in San Francisco has demanded his immediate release and has slammed the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra Government for misusing power.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MHRC) on Friday has asked for the certified magistrate's copy of the reopening of the Anvay Naik case that was earlier closed in 2019 - in which Republic media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami has been arrested. The MHRC had summoned SP Raigad at the commission's office to show cause regarding the arrest of Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami and present the entire material records before the commission.

The action by the MHRC comes after Advocate Aditya Mishra filed a petition before the Commission against Arnab Goswami's forceful arrest. The matter has now been referred to Tuesday.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Chandigarh protests: 

Bengaluru protests:

After the arrest of Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami on Wednesday, BJP MP Rakesh Sinha called for the intervention of the Press Council of India. In 2019, Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu nominated Sinha as a member of the PCI. In a letter addressed to PCI Chairman Justice CK Prasad, Sinha pointed out that the manner of Arnab's arrest is a "naked exhibition" of state power. Maintaining that a journalist's right to report and interpret issues is vital, he stated that the PCI must condemn this "fascist action".

READ story here

The bench lists Arnab's plea challenging his arrest for 3 PM tomorrow. Justice Shinde says the bench will hear both sides and pass an appropriate order tomorrow.
 

Arnab's lawyer Abad Ponda lists the merits of the case in Bombay HC:

• Without judicial order, further investigation could not be done. So arrest is illegal.
• Stay of investigation can be ordered when it is illegal and affects liberty of a citizen

Meanwhile, senior adv. Harish Salve seeks to amend the plea to add the informant (Naik's daughter) as a party to the case.

The bench of Justices S S Shinde and M S Karnik has assembled to hear the plea challenging arrest and remand of Republic media network Editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami in connection to the 2018 Anvay Naik suicide case. The bench is also hearing a plea filed by Naik's daughter Adnya for re-investigation of the case, whose closure report was filed in 2019.

Arnab's lawyer Abad Ponda argues, "The police only gave an intimation to Magistrate, who recorded "seen and filed only". There was no order for further investigation. Without any judicial order, the police suo moto intervened in the matter, for obvious reasons that are taking place in Maharashtra. My client is behind bars. The investigation is completely illegal."

Adv Harish Salve, representing Arnab says, "This is an issue of liberty of a citizen. He is a journalist. Please release this man as an ad-interim measure and hear the case in detail later".

BJP MP Ram Kadam says 'will feed Sanjay Raut sweets' once Arnab is granted bail.

Republic Media Network has accessed the copy of Chief Judicial Magistrate's remand order that was passed on Wednesday after a hearing that lasted five hours in connection with a 2018 'reopened' case in which Arnab Goswami was physically assaulted and arrested by the Maharashtra Police. The court in Alibaug in Maharashtra's Raigad district remanded Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami in judicial custody for 14 days and rejected the police custody demanded by the cops, with the CJM making key observations.

The Chief Judicial Magistrate observed that there was no connection in the chain of suicide in the case in which Arnab was arrested, which was earlier closed in 2019 and now reopened, and Arnab Goswami's role. Secondly, the judge noted that the case had been re-opened without the court's consent. The CJM also observed that there is no 'justifiable ground' for the police custody sought as he pronounced the judgment. 

In another one page order, the CJM noted the harassment, the torture and the ill-treatment meted out to Arnab when he was in the police station. "He (Arnab) has a complaint of ill-treatment at the hands of police. I have physically verified the person of the accused. I found abrasion on the right hand of the accused. The previous bandage of his right-hand thumb is found to be pulled. COnsidering abovesaid abrasion marks it is important upon the Court to send him for medical examination to Civil Surgeon. Therefore, I pass the following order," the order states. 

According to sources, the Police is also using underhand means to ensure Arnab does not get bail and now is planning to move to the Sessions Court. The Police will now attempt to arrest Arnab in new cases, sources said. Following the brazen assault on Arnab, the Bombay High Court is set to hear his plea against the illegal and unlawful arrest on Thursday at 3 pm. 

Former Director-General of Police (DGP) of Jammu and Kashmir Shesh Paul Vaid on Thursday spoke to Republic Media Network on the vindictiveness shown by the Mumbai Police against Arnab Goswami. He said the Maharashtra Police should follow legal procedures rather than the diktats of their political masters.

"Journalism is known as the fourth pillar of Democracy and Arnab has been the voice of the people. You may agree or disagree with him but this is a question of muzzling the power of media and if somebody finds faults in your administration, there is no scope for vindictiveness in the implementation of the law. You should never be vindictive and let the law take its course. Follow the proper procedure of the law rather than the diktats of the political masters which should be avoided at all costs. It needs integrity of the officers at the top to say politely NO to wrong orders, that is my understanding of the thing," SP Vaid said. 

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MHRC) on Thursday has issued a notice to SP Raigad to remain present on Friday at Human Rights Commission Office by 11 am to show cause regarding the arrest of Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami and present entire material records before the commission. This comes after Advocate Aditya Mishra filed a petition before the Maharashtra Human Rights Commission against Arnab Goswami's indiscriminate arrest. He had called for urgent consideration of the matter.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief and MP Chirag Paswan condemned the illegal arrest and assault of Republic TV's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami. Denouncing the conduct of the Police and Maharashtra government, Paswan said that no person deserves this kind of treatment. He further added that this situation reeks of Emergency. On Wednesday morning, over a dozen officers of Mumbai Police barged into Arnab Goswami's residence at around 7:45 am without any warrant, summon or court order and dragged him out. Republic's Editor-in-chief was assaulted and forcefully taken to the Raigad police station, arrested for a case that had been closed in 2019 and now reopened without court's consent.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Physical assault and illegal arrest of Republic Media Network's Editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami by Mumbai police has stirred a nation-wide movement. People from all walks of life have come forward in support of Republic and Arnab Goswami. Joining the fight to support Arnab Goswami against the Maharashtra government, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Professor Prem Singh Chandumajra spoke exclusively to Republic TV.

When Chandumajra was asked to comment upon Mumbai Police's illegal arrest of Arnab Goswami, he said, 'The manner in which Mumbai Police arrested and assaulted Republic's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami is highly condemnable'. The SAD leader stated that this a direct attack on the whole democratic system and also a threat to the freedom of the press. Speaking further he said, 'The way in which police barged into Arnab's residence and assaulted him just because he has asked some serious questions to the government is highly objectionable'. 

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Former Additional Solicitor General of India and the lawyer of Sushant Singh Rajput's family, Vikas Singh, on Thursday has condemned the Maharashtra government's tactics of suppressing the free press and its witch-hunt against Republic Media Network. In a tweet, a day after Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami was remanded in judicial custody for 14 days in a 2018 case that had since been closed and now 'reopened' by the police, he said that there is a tendency in the entire country to "falsely register cases against press people." Vikas Singh said that this tendency reflects poorly on our democracy and he stands with all press people facing such cases.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

On Wednesday night, a court in Alibaug in Maharashtra's Raigad district remanded Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami in judicial custody for 14 days and rejected the police custody demanded by the cops in a 2018 abetment to suicide case that had then been closed and now 'reopened' by the police. BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar has hailed the court's decision and called it a "great victory" for Republic Media Network and the people of the country.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Political analyst Gunja Kapoor reacting to the Alibag court's decision of sending Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami to judicial custody in a 2018 abetment to suicide case that had earlier been closed and now reopened, and has expressed her shock. In a tweet, she said that Arnab has been arrested for 2 weeks from the financial capital of India, the city that clocks maximum FDI and corporate tax revenue!  "'Yuvraaj' Raj is the death knell of democracy: in Maharashtra, it is 3 of them!", she added.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Pronouncing the judgement on the police custody sought, the court observed that there is no chain showing nexus between suicide and role of the accused. The magistrate also noted that the case has been reopened without prior consent of the court 

The Alibag Court has remanded Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami to a 14-day judicial custody

After writing to Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray, BJP MLA Ram Kadam has sought an appointment with Governor Bhagat Singh Koshiyari to discuss the illegal arrest of Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami. The BJP MLA is slated to meet the Maharashtra Governor at 10:30 AM on Thursday. Arnab Goswami was arrested and physically assaulted by the Mumbai and Raigad Police on Wednesday morning. 

Read more here

Supreme Court lawyer Siddharth Acharya on Wednesday wrote to Chief Justice of India (CJI) over Republic Media Network's Editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami's unlawful arrest, requesting the CJI to take suo-moto cognizance in the matter. Calling Arnab's arrest 'political vendetta', the Supreme Court lawyer asserted that state power was being abused by the current Maharashtra government to 'settle personal scores', adding that even the basic process of law was not followed during Arnab's arrest. 

Read more here

Advocate Aditya Mishra has filed a petition before the Maharashtra Human Rights Commission against indiscriminate arrest of Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami. Mentioning of the matter will be held on Thursday before the commission for urgent consideration. 

 The #IndiaWithArnab petition is now LIVE on Republicworld.com

Arnab arrested

In a shocking incident on Wednesday morning, Republic Media Network's Editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami was arrested by Maharashtra Police after the latter barged into his residence and assaulted him. After the arrest, Maharashtra Police took him to Raigad Police Station and have said that he has been arrested under charges of abetment of suicide in the 2018 Anvay Naik case - which was closed but has now been reopened. 

The Mumbai Police before the arrest of Arnab manhandled him and as many as 8 police vehicles and at least 40-50 Police personnel were in his building premises. Moreover, the Mumbai Police blocked Republic Executive editor Niranjan Narayanswamy and senior associate editor Sanjay Pathak from entering Arnab's residence. When Niranjan said that it is his right to report, he was thrown out of the building and the Mumbai Police wanted his phone. 

Witch-hunt against Republic

This comes amid witch hunt against Republic Media Network, in which the Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh in his latest fake news plant called Arnab "the biggest hawala operator in the city of Mumbai." Tearing apart the Mumbai Police's ridiculous claim Arnab Goswami stressed that the network sustains only on the blessings of the viewers. 

In total, Republic Media Network's management & editorial staff have endured over 150 hours of questioning in a variety of cases that are beyond the initial fraud TRP matter, including Republic’s Senior Associate Editor Shawan Sen, Executive Editor Niranjan Narayanaswamy Output Editor Sagarika Mitra, Senior Associate Editor Shivani Gupta. The journalists maintained that they won’t reveal their sources.  

The Param Bir Singh-led Mumbai Police's brazen attempt to strike on press freedom has been exposed through the multiple sessions of unnecessary interrogation sessions. Taking it a step further, in a never-seen-before move, the Param Bir Singh-led Mumbai Police filed an FIR against the entire editorial team of the Network, invoking a 1922 British Raj-era law that had last been used in the Emergency-era.